Productive air ambulance talks

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur  has met with Health Secretary Alex Neil MSP to discuss ongoing issues relating to the air ambulance service.

The meeting followed a recent announcement that the existing SAS fleet of two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft would be augmented by a further helicopter, based in Perth and funded through charitable donations.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr McArthur said: “This meeting was a good opportunity to bring the new Health Secretary up to speed with local concerns about air ambulance and other related issues. I was encouraged by the response from Mr Neil and his willingness to look at where further improvements to the service might be possible.

“The new Inverness-based helicopter, due to start operations later this year, is likely to provide advantages over the current aircraft.  Its greater speed, range and carrying capacity should address some of the problems we have experienced in the past, by improving response times and allowing patients to be escorted by relatives.”